Family of Teen Who Miraculously Survived Gun Shot to the Head Points to ‘Blessings’ From God

The family of Deserae Turner, the 14-year-old Utah girl who was shot in the head after being robbed by two 16-year-old boys, said Deserae’s condition is improving after she was placed in a medically induced coma following the shooting.

“Through the blessings of our Father in heaven, Deserae is still with us and has made progress,” the family said in a statement released Tuesday and obtained by Faithwire. “We are so thankful for the hospital staff that has worked every minute of the last 19 days to keep Des alive and healing.”

Two 16-year-old boys who allegedly lured her to a canal last month under the guise of selling her a knife, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

After the shooting, the boys allegedly took Turner’s backpack, cellphone and iPod, along with money from her purse. They were each charged with first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder and aggravated robbery, and four counts each of second-degree felony obstructing justice.

Turner has been moved from the ICU to the Neuro Trauma Unit. She will undergo another surgery and will need to go through extensive rehabilitation, her family said.

“Our sweet girl has been through so much as she battled for her life and this will be a battle she fights for a long time if not for the rest of her life,” the family said.

Turner is “fighting hard,” the family said, adding that it is “grateful for the many small miracles along the way.”

“We are so grateful for all the support and prayers on Deserae’s behalf,” the family said. “We would like to thank our community and people all over the world for their prayers, love and support. We ask that you please continue to pray for her, our family and the other families associated with this tragedy.”

One of the teens penned an apology to Turner’s parents, saying he was “so so so sorry.”